Cuala Boys take Honours in 'Battle of the Liffey'

This Easter, four Cuala boys were part of the South Dublin U12 Panel in the Kevin Aherne Memorial Tournament. Liam Lysaght, Jack Hartnett, Harry Forde and Joseph Mahony represented Cuala with great pride in the annual 'Battle of the Liffey' between North and South at Fingallians GAA on Easter Saturday. The trophy is back on the Southside after a great day of action. The lads were presented with their (modest) trophies by Fingallians and Dublin forward Paul Flynn who played in this tournament some years ago. Our U12 Footballers have secured a place in the A Cup semi Final while they are one win away from a place in the B Cup semi final as well.
4-in-a-Row Nemo Victory

The "Cuala U14" brand is building quite a reputation in the Rebel County following the 1996's winning of the Nemo Cup - the fourth time in as many years for a Cuala side to take home the silverware. This year's contingent fought hard in the preliminary round, beating Tralee's Austin Stacks before succumbing to local boys Village Rovers. But they still made it into the final against St Vincents - a team that had only recently beaten us in the League. But cometh the hour, cometh the men and the Cuala lads dug deep to take the trophy with an impressive 5:05 - 0:11scoreline. Well done to all the boys and their Mentors.
More Pictures


U15 Footballers Capture Shield
A belated story which we nearly overlooked in the run-up to the U21 Final - but just as heroic so its worth recalling, even at this late stage. You'll recall the last Sunday in November was a day for staying in bed or sitting in front of the fire - such was the volume or rain tumbling down. But for the U15A Footballers, it was just another day at the office - games to play - trophies to be won. On the day in question, the challenge facing them was not just the weather but a formidable Balllinteer St. John side. And indeed playing conditions for both teams were terrible - with driving rain and very strong gusting winds but despite the apalling weather both teams played with determination and skill. And Cuala came out winners 2:09 to 1:05. In fact, weather conditions were so bad that the presentation was made in the dressing room to a clearly delighted Cuala captain Fergus Spillane (pictured). Well done to the boys and their mentors and the supporters who ventured out in the weather
More pictures in the Cuala Gallery . . .


Did You Ever Think You'd See the Day?

At long last, all our hard work has finally paid off and the much anticipated event took place quietly in Thomastown last week. In what was probably the biggest 'property deal' of the year in these parts, Cuala finally took delivery of the keys for the new Dressing Rooms from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co. Co. Pictured at the handing-over ceremony were Monica Boyle (Parks Department), Ken O'Sullivan (Runai Cuala), Rory O'Sullivan (Parks Department) and Rob Hartnett (Cathaoirleach Na nÓg). Rob tells us that there will a familiarisation tour of the facility on Saturday 24th at 10:00 . All age groups are invited to send a representative. In due course, when the weather improves, Rob will have further news of a suitable event to mark the official inauguration of the new premises.
New Feile Resource Page
Happy New Year. We hope 2009 will be one of great success and enjoyment for all our players. For the 1995s, 2009 means Feile Year and their mentors have been busy planning for the year ahead. They have designed a range of resources for the U14s to help them prepare for the campaign that lies ahead.
Feile Resource Page

Juvenile Chairman, Announces New Games Tournament
Juvenile Chairman, Rob Hartnett presided over a well-attended Section AGM this week and reflected on another rewarding year. The U13A's two-in-a-row Division 1 Championship; the U13B footballers reaching their Shield final and the U14A footballers who - again - won the Mick O'Brien Memorial tournament hosted by Nemo Rangers. The Feile gave us the best of times and the worst of times - U14B footballers bringing the Feile title back to Dalkey and then there was the frustrations of the new format. Everyone in Cuala can take pride that the Juvenile Section continues to produce a crop of great players and puts Cuala on the GAA map. On the financial pitch, the Night at the Dogs generated much-need revenue which supplemented team subscriptions but we the need to increase team subs is a chalenge to be faced at the Club AGM. Looking to 2009, the Juvenile Committee is aiming to establish an Annual Tournament based around the U12 age group - a fitting event to showcase the soon-to-be opened Changing Rooms in Thomastown.
Full Report